Store detective: Cocu

FOR the ultimate wedding dress dream experience, Cocu is quite simply, a gorgeous, glamorous, haven of calm and serenity. This divine new brides' boutique in the Barton Arcade is the answer to all your wedding dress woes.

Why go? For the ultimate wedding dress dream experience. Quite simply, a gorgeous, glamorous, haven of calm and serenity, this divine new brides' boutique in the Barton Arcade is the answer to all your wedding dress woes.

A new venture from CoCu corset designer Slim Chadwick, whose original store is just across the way, he says it's a wedding dress shop for style-savvy girls who "don't do" normal wedding dresses. And he's right, as this chic little enclave is about as classy as you can get.

For years Slim, whose mainline creations have graced many a stylish celeb, has resisted going into bridal wear. But the ladies of Manchester just won't take no for an answer - and he ended up making more than 30 wedding gowns last year alone. So, finally, he has given in and opened up his own store. Hallelujah!

By appointment only, it's the luxurious way to prepare for your big day, with personal attention and made-to-measure bespoke gowns. Plus, it's probably the only way to get a wedding outfit that is truly "made in Manchester" as most of the big name brands fly theirs in from abroad.

Here, measurements are taken, corsets and skirts cooed over, in the comfort of a boudoir-style showroom, complete with vintage sofa for the mum and bridesmaids - and the most extravagant mirror Style has ever seen.

It's worth noting that there are no dresses on display, as every outfit is made from a separate skirt and corset. Which, we reckon, makes much more sense as not only can you even change the skirt from long to short for evening - but you can re-use the corset again for swanky eveningwear.

Having tried out one of Slim's traditionally-made corsets, we can vouch for their amazing figure-sculpting qualities. Just what you want on that big day.

All styles on show are for inspiration only, as each outfit is made entirely to your desire. With Slim insisting that taking scraps from precious old wedding dresses (such as your mum's) for bits of detail is all the rage. Plus, the price is super-competitive too, at an average of £1,400 - particularly as it's all hand-made.

But, we reckon, the best bit about the whole thing is shopping with the lovely Slim, whose eye for detail and all things chic will have you looking like a princess when you parade down that aisle.